Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method of sharing transportation employing a ground transportation network, the method comprising: receiving, by the ground transportation network, a ride request from a transport user device associated with a transport user, wherein the ride request includes a pick-up location and a drop-off location; identifying, by the ground transportation network, a transport provider device of a transport provider in proximity to the pick-up location received in the ride request; sending, by the ground transportation network, a transport request corresponding to the ride request to the transport provider device identified in proximity to the pick-up location, wherein the transport request is associated with a journey from the pick-up location; detecting, by the ground transportation network, whether the transport provider accepts the transport request; sending, by the ground transportation network, transport instructions to the transport provider device in response to the transport provider accepting the transport request, wherein the transport instructions include information identifying the transport user, the pick-up location, and the drop-off location; sending, at the end of the journey and by the ground transportation network, a summary of the journey to the transport user device, wherein the summary of the journey comprises a transport provider rating prompt soliciting the transport user to provide a rating value for the transport provider; and sending, at the end of the journey and by the ground transportation network, a transport user rating prompt to the transport provider device, wherein the transport user rating prompt solicits the transport provider to provide a rating value for the transport user.
The invention relates to a method for facilitating shared transportation using a ground transportation network. The system addresses the problem of efficiently connecting transport users with nearby transport providers while ensuring accountability through mutual ratings. The method begins by receiving a ride request from a user device, specifying pick-up and drop-off locations. The transportation network identifies a transport provider device in proximity to the pick-up location and sends a transport request to that provider. If the provider accepts, the network sends transport instructions to the provider, including user details and the journey route. Upon journey completion, the network sends a summary to the user device, prompting them to rate the provider. Simultaneously, the provider is prompted to rate the user. This bidirectional rating system enhances trust and service quality in the transportation network. The method ensures seamless coordination between users and providers while maintaining transparency through post-journey feedback.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the summary of the journey includes a cost of the journey based on a route traveled from the pick-up location to the drop-off location.
A system and method for providing journey summaries in transportation services, particularly for ride-sharing or delivery applications, addresses the need for users to understand the details of their trips, including costs. The invention generates a summary of a journey that includes the cost of the journey based on the route traveled from the pick-up location to the drop-off location. The summary may also include other relevant information such as the duration of the journey, distance traveled, and any additional fees or charges incurred during the trip. The cost calculation considers factors such as distance, time, and any applicable surcharges, providing transparency to the user. The system may also allow users to review and dispute the cost if necessary. This invention improves user experience by ensuring clarity and accuracy in trip cost reporting, helping users make informed decisions and reducing disputes over pricing. The method integrates with existing ride-sharing or delivery platforms to enhance their functionality and user satisfaction.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the transport provider rating prompt includes one or more scales for the transport user to rate the transport provider on one or more factors of the journey, including at least one of a safety factor, a comfort factor, and a social factor.
This invention relates to a system for evaluating transport providers based on user feedback, specifically focusing on a method for collecting detailed ratings from transport users. The system addresses the problem of limited or generic feedback mechanisms in transport services, which often fail to capture nuanced aspects of the user experience. The invention enhances feedback collection by incorporating a structured rating prompt that allows users to assess transport providers across multiple dimensions of their journey. The transport provider rating prompt includes one or more rating scales, enabling users to evaluate the provider on specific factors such as safety, comfort, and social interaction. Safety factors may include adherence to traffic rules, vehicle condition, and driver behavior. Comfort factors could encompass seat quality, temperature control, and noise levels. Social factors might assess the driver's communication, politeness, or willingness to assist. By breaking down the evaluation into these distinct categories, the system provides a more comprehensive and actionable assessment of the transport provider's performance. This detailed feedback helps improve service quality and allows providers to address specific areas of concern. The invention ensures that user ratings are both specific and meaningful, leading to better decision-making for both transport providers and users.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more scales of the transport provider rating prompt include a star rating scale for the transport user to rate the transport provider on a scale of one star to five stars.
A system and method for evaluating transport providers involves generating a rating prompt for a transport user to assess the performance of a transport provider. The rating prompt includes one or more scales, with at least one scale being a star rating system. The star rating scale allows the transport user to rate the transport provider on a scale of one star to five stars, where one star represents the lowest possible rating and five stars represents the highest possible rating. The system collects the user's rating input and processes it to generate a transport provider rating. This rating can be used to evaluate the transport provider's performance, improve services, or provide feedback to other potential users. The system may also include additional rating scales beyond the star rating, such as numerical or textual feedback options, to provide a more comprehensive assessment. The transport user's rating is submitted through a user interface, which may be part of a mobile application or web platform, ensuring ease of use and accessibility. The collected ratings are stored and analyzed to generate insights into transport provider performance, which can be used for quality control, service improvements, or user recommendations.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the summary of the journey comprising the transport provider rating prompt is sent to the transport user device as the transport user ends the journey and/or exits a vehicle of the transport provider, as part of an SMS message, an e-mail, and/or a mobile application of the transport user device.
This invention relates to a system for collecting transport provider ratings from users after a journey. The problem addressed is the lack of timely and convenient methods for users to provide feedback on their transport experience, which can lead to delayed or incomplete ratings. The solution involves automatically sending a summary of the journey, including a prompt to rate the transport provider, to the user's device as they complete the journey or exit the vehicle. The summary is delivered via multiple communication channels, such as SMS, email, or a mobile application, ensuring the user receives the prompt promptly and through their preferred method. The system enhances the likelihood of receiving timely feedback by leveraging real-time detection of journey completion and offering multiple delivery options. This approach improves the efficiency of feedback collection and helps transport providers maintain service quality by receiving ratings shortly after the journey ends. The method ensures users are not burdened with manual steps to provide feedback, increasing participation rates and data accuracy.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein, in response to the transport provider being assigned a low rating by the transport user, the ground transportation network is configured to exclude or blacklist the transport provider from subsequent matching with the transport user.
This invention relates to ground transportation networks, specifically systems for managing transport providers based on user feedback. The problem addressed is ensuring quality and reliability in ride-sharing or on-demand transportation services by handling low-rated providers. The system monitors ratings assigned by transport users to transport providers. When a transport provider receives a low rating, the ground transportation network automatically excludes or blacklists that provider from future matches with the same user. This prevents repeated poor experiences for users while maintaining service availability through other providers. The network may also track multiple low ratings to determine broader exclusion criteria, such as temporary or permanent blacklisting. The method ensures that transport providers maintain acceptable service standards to retain user trust and satisfaction. The system dynamically adjusts provider eligibility based on real-time feedback, improving overall service quality.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the transport user rating prompt includes one or more scales for the transport provider to rate the transport user on one or more factors of the journey.
This invention relates to a system for facilitating feedback between transport providers and transport users, particularly in ride-sharing or on-demand transportation services. The problem addressed is the lack of structured feedback mechanisms that allow transport providers to evaluate transport users, ensuring accountability and improving service quality. The method involves generating a transport user rating prompt for the transport provider after a journey. This prompt includes one or more scales for the transport provider to rate the transport user on various factors of the journey. These factors may include punctuality, behavior, cleanliness, or adherence to agreed-upon terms. The ratings are collected and may be used to assess the transport user's reliability or impact on the provider's experience. The system may also aggregate these ratings to generate a user profile, which can influence future service interactions, such as matching or eligibility for certain services. The invention ensures that feedback is bidirectional, allowing transport providers to contribute to the evaluation process, which traditionally focuses only on provider ratings by users. This helps maintain fairness and encourages responsible behavior from both parties. The structured rating scales ensure consistency and actionable insights for service improvement.
8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: determining, by the ground transportation network, that the journey is progressing based on determining a location of at least one of the transport user device and the transport provider device.
This invention relates to ground transportation networks, specifically systems for tracking and managing journeys between transport users and providers. The problem addressed is ensuring accurate journey progression monitoring, which is critical for real-time updates, billing, and safety. The method involves a ground transportation network that facilitates journeys between users and providers, each equipped with a device (e.g., a smartphone). The network tracks the journey by determining the location of either the user's device or the provider's device, or both. This location data is used to confirm that the journey is progressing as expected. If the journey is not progressing (e.g., due to delays or deviations), the system can take corrective actions, such as notifying the user or provider or adjusting routing. The method may also include additional steps, such as determining the journey's start and end points, calculating the distance traveled, and verifying that the journey adheres to predefined parameters (e.g., expected duration or route). The system may also handle dynamic adjustments, such as rerouting or recalculating fares based on real-time conditions. The goal is to ensure reliable, transparent, and efficient journey management for both users and providers.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein determining the location of the at least one of the transport user device and the transport provider device includes polling, by the ground transportation network, location information of the at least one of the transport provider device and the transport user device.
The invention relates to ground transportation networks that facilitate ridesharing or ride-hailing services. A common challenge in such systems is accurately determining the real-time locations of transport user devices (e.g., passenger smartphones) and transport provider devices (e.g., driver smartphones or vehicle tracking systems) to efficiently match riders with available drivers and optimize routing. This invention addresses this problem by implementing a polling mechanism within the ground transportation network to periodically retrieve location data from the devices. The method involves the ground transportation network actively querying the transport user device and/or the transport provider device at regular intervals to obtain updated location information. This polling process ensures that the system has the most current positional data, which is critical for dynamic ride-matching, route optimization, and real-time tracking. By continuously updating location information, the system can improve the accuracy of estimated arrival times, reduce wait times, and enhance overall service efficiency. The polling mechanism may be configured to adjust its frequency based on factors such as network conditions, device battery status, or the urgency of the ride request. This approach helps balance the need for precise location tracking with the constraints of device performance and data usage.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein polling the location information includes at least one of detecting and initiating, by the ground transportation network, a GPS communication link to the at least one of the transport user device and the transport provide device.
This invention relates to ground transportation networks and addresses the challenge of efficiently tracking the locations of transport users and providers. The method involves a ground transportation network that polls location information from at least one of a transport user device or a transport provider device. The polling process includes either detecting or initiating a GPS communication link to the device. This ensures real-time or near-real-time location data is obtained, which is critical for coordinating transportation services, optimizing routes, and improving service reliability. The system may also involve other steps, such as receiving location information from the devices, processing the data to determine optimal transport matches, and facilitating communication between users and providers. The GPS communication link may be established automatically or triggered by the network based on predefined conditions, such as service requests or scheduled pickups. This approach enhances accuracy and responsiveness in transportation logistics, particularly in ride-sharing, taxi, or delivery services. The method ensures seamless integration between user and provider locations, reducing delays and improving overall efficiency in ground transportation networks.
11. A computer system for sharing transportation employing a ground transportation network, the system comprising: a memory having processor-readable instructions stored therein; and a processor configured to access the memory and execute the processor-readable instructions which, when executed by the processor, configure the processor to perform a plurality of functions comprising: receiving, by the ground transportation network, a ride request from a transport user device associated with a transport user, wherein the ride request includes a pick-up location and a drop-off location; identifying, by the ground transportation network, a transport provider device of a transport provider in proximity to the pick-up location received in the ride request; sending, by the ground transportation network, a transport request corresponding to the ride request to the transport provider device identified in proximity to the pick-up location, wherein the transport request is associated with a journey from the pick-up location; detecting, by the ground transportation network, whether the transport provider accepts the transport request; sending, by the ground transportation network, transport instructions to the transport provider device in response to the transport provider accepting the transport request, wherein the transport instructions include information identifying the transport user, the pick-up location, and the drop-off location; sending, at the end of the journey and by the ground transportation network, a summary of the journey to the transport user device, wherein the summary of the journey comprises a transport provider rating prompt soliciting the transport user to provide a rating value for the transport provider; and sending, at the end of the journey and by the ground transportation network, a transport user rating prompt to the transport provider device, wherein the transport user rating prompt solicits the transport provider to provide a rating value for the transport user.
A computer system facilitates ride-sharing within a ground transportation network by coordinating transport requests between users and providers. The system processes ride requests from users, which include pick-up and drop-off locations, and identifies nearby transport providers to fulfill the request. Once a provider accepts, the system sends transport instructions detailing the user's identity and journey details to the provider's device. Upon journey completion, the system generates a summary for the user, including a prompt to rate the provider. Simultaneously, the provider receives a prompt to rate the user. This bidirectional feedback mechanism enhances trust and accountability within the transportation network. The system automates the matching, communication, and feedback processes, improving efficiency and user experience in ride-sharing services. The technology addresses the need for seamless coordination between transport users and providers while ensuring transparency through mutual ratings.
12. The computer system of claim 11 , wherein the summary of the journey includes a cost of the journey based on a route traveled from the pick-up location to the drop-off location.
This invention relates to a computer system for managing and summarizing transportation journeys, particularly for ride-sharing or on-demand transportation services. The system addresses the need for passengers and service providers to efficiently track and analyze journey details, including costs, to optimize pricing, routing, and service quality. The computer system processes journey data, including pick-up and drop-off locations, to generate a summary of the journey. The summary includes a cost calculation based on the route traveled between the pick-up and drop-off locations. The cost may be determined using factors such as distance, time, vehicle type, or dynamic pricing models. The system may also integrate with mapping services to calculate the most efficient or cost-effective route, ensuring accurate cost estimation. Additionally, the system may track and display other journey metrics, such as travel time, distance, and any stops or detours. The summary can be presented to passengers or service providers in real-time or after the journey, enabling better decision-making and transparency. The system may also store historical journey data for analytics, allowing service providers to refine pricing strategies or improve route efficiency. By providing a detailed and cost-based journey summary, the system enhances user experience, ensures fair pricing, and supports operational efficiency for transportation services.
13. The computer system of claim 11 , wherein the transport provider rating prompt includes one or more scales for the transport user to rate the transport provider on one or more factors of the journey, including at least one of a safety factor, a comfort factor, and a social factor.
This invention relates to a computer system for facilitating transport services, specifically focusing on enhancing the feedback mechanism between transport users and providers. The system addresses the problem of incomplete or biased feedback in transport services, which can hinder service improvement and user satisfaction. The system includes a transport provider rating prompt that allows users to evaluate providers based on multiple journey factors. These factors include safety, comfort, and social aspects, enabling a comprehensive assessment of the transport experience. The rating prompt may present one or more scales for each factor, allowing users to provide detailed feedback. This structured approach ensures that feedback is more informative and actionable, helping providers improve their services and users make better-informed choices. The system may also include additional features, such as displaying ratings to users before booking, to enhance transparency and trust in the transport service. By capturing nuanced feedback, the system aims to create a more reliable and user-centric transport ecosystem.
14. The computer system of claim 11 , wherein the one or more scales of the transport provider rating prompt include a star rating scale for the transport user to rate the transport provider on a scale of one star to five stars.
A computer system is designed to facilitate user feedback on transport services, addressing the need for structured and standardized evaluations of transport providers. The system includes a transport provider rating prompt that guides users through the rating process, ensuring consistent and meaningful feedback. A key feature of this system is the inclusion of a star rating scale, allowing users to rate the transport provider on a scale of one to five stars. This scale provides a simple yet effective way for users to convey their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the service. The system may also incorporate additional rating scales or feedback mechanisms to capture more detailed user experiences, but the star rating serves as a primary metric for quick and intuitive assessment. By standardizing the rating process, the system helps transport providers improve their services based on quantifiable user feedback, while also enabling users to make more informed decisions when selecting transport services. The overall goal is to enhance transparency and reliability in the transport service industry through structured user evaluations.
15. The computer system of claim 11 , wherein the summary of the journey comprising the transport provider rating prompt is sent to the transport user device as the transport user ends the journey and/or exits a vehicle of the transport provider, as part of an SMS message, an e-mail, and/or a mobile application of the transport user device.
This invention relates to a computer system for facilitating transport services, specifically focusing on the collection and delivery of transport provider ratings from users. The system addresses the challenge of obtaining timely and accurate feedback from transport users after their journey, ensuring that ratings are captured efficiently and conveniently. The system includes a transport user device and a transport provider device, both connected to a central server. The server processes journey data, including the start and end of a transport service, and triggers a rating prompt when the journey concludes. The rating prompt is integrated into a summary of the journey, which is sent to the user's device as they exit the vehicle. This summary can be delivered via multiple channels, including SMS, email, or a dedicated mobile application, ensuring flexibility in how users receive and submit their feedback. The system may also include additional features such as journey tracking, fare calculation, and payment processing, all of which contribute to a seamless user experience. By automating the rating process at the optimal moment, the system improves the likelihood of receiving user feedback, enhancing service quality and provider accountability.
16. The computer system of claim 11 , wherein, in response to the transport provider being assigned a low rating by the transport user, the ground transportation network is configured to exclude or blacklist the transport provider from subsequent matching with the transport user.
This invention relates to a ground transportation network system that manages transport providers and users, addressing the problem of ensuring reliable and high-quality transportation services. The system includes a matching module that connects transport users with transport providers based on various criteria, such as location, availability, and user preferences. The system also tracks user feedback, including ratings assigned by transport users to transport providers. When a transport provider receives a low rating from a transport user, the system automatically excludes or blacklists that provider from future matches with the same user. This prevents low-rated providers from being repeatedly assigned to users who have had negative experiences, thereby improving service quality and user satisfaction. The system may also implement additional measures, such as temporary or permanent deactivation of providers with consistently low ratings, to maintain overall network reliability. The blacklisting mechanism ensures that users are matched only with providers who meet quality standards, enhancing trust and efficiency in the transportation network.
17. The computer system of claim 11 , wherein the transport user rating prompt includes one or more scales for the transport provider to rate the transport user on one or more factors of the journey.
This invention relates to a computer system for facilitating transport services, specifically improving feedback mechanisms between transport providers and users. The system addresses the problem of incomplete or biased feedback in ride-sharing or transportation services, where ratings may not accurately reflect the quality of the journey due to lack of detailed input or subjective bias. The system includes a transport user rating prompt that presents one or more scales for the transport provider to evaluate the transport user on various factors of the journey. These factors may include punctuality, behavior, cleanliness, or adherence to agreed-upon terms. The scales allow for structured, multi-dimensional feedback rather than a single rating, enabling more nuanced assessments. The system may also include mechanisms to ensure fairness, such as requiring both parties to provide feedback before completing the transaction or flagging inconsistencies in ratings. The transport provider interacts with the system via a user interface that displays the rating prompt after the journey. The system processes the ratings and may use them to adjust future service offerings, enforce policies, or improve user-provider matching algorithms. The invention enhances transparency and accountability in transport services by capturing detailed, objective feedback from both parties.
18. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising processor-readable instructions which, when executed by a processor, configure the processor to perform a plurality of functions for sharing transportation employing a ground transportation network, the plurality of functions comprising: receiving, by the ground transportation network, a ride request from a transport user device associated with a transport user, wherein the ride request includes a pick-up location and a drop-off location; identifying, by the ground transportation network, a transport provider device of a transport provider in proximity to the pick-up location received in the ride request; sending, by the ground transportation network, a transport request corresponding to the ride request to the transport provider device identified in proximity to the pick-up location, wherein the transport request is associated with a journey from the pick-up location; detecting, by the ground transportation network, whether the transport provider accepts the transport request; sending, by the ground transportation network, transport instructions to the transport provider device in response to the transport provider accepting the transport request, wherein the transport instructions include information identifying the transport user, the pick-up location, and the drop-off location; sending, at the end of the journey and by the ground transportation network, a summary of the journey to the transport user device, wherein the summary of the journey comprises a transport provider rating prompt soliciting the transport user to provide a rating value for the transport provider; and sending, at the end of the journey and by the ground transportation network, a transport user rating prompt to the transport provider device, wherein the transport user rating prompt solicits the transport provider to provide a rating value for the transport user.
The invention relates to a computer-implemented system for facilitating transportation sharing via a ground transportation network. The system addresses the problem of efficiently connecting transport users with nearby transport providers while ensuring accountability through mutual ratings. The system receives a ride request from a user device, specifying a pick-up and drop-off location. The transportation network identifies a transport provider device in proximity to the pick-up location and sends a transport request to that provider. If the provider accepts, the system sends transport instructions to the provider, including user details and the journey route. Upon journey completion, the system sends a summary to the user device, prompting the user to rate the provider. Simultaneously, the system sends a prompt to the provider to rate the user. This bidirectional rating system enhances trust and service quality in the transportation network. The invention is implemented via processor-readable instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, enabling automated coordination between users and providers while ensuring feedback collection for performance evaluation.
Unknown
October 13, 2020
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